🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has adopted a American-supported resolution that supports Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While Friday's vote was divided, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to retain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for talks. As with earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on independence that includes independence as an choice, which constitutes the approach traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most practical resolution.

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, guided 11 nations in deciding in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations security operation in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure urges all parties involved to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Context and Current Developments

A 1991-era truce was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. State support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly documented military operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.